Jon Warech

I drink daily -- 2 to 3 glasses of Jack Daniel's over ice a night. I do it because I enjoy the flavor and I like the way it relaxes me. To read about how Jodie could not keep herself from drinking more than 1 or 2 glasses of anything (and then to see that Jack Daniel's was one of her go to drinks!) ... wow!

At one point I was, like, "I don't understand, why can't you just have 1?" ... but that's addiction ... that's alcoholism. You can't just have 1. You can't control yourself when it comes show more to alcohol.

Years ago, when I was in my 20s, I was having an allergic reaction to alcohol -- it flared my pancreas. Just like Jodie would crave and want alcohol when she was just around it, that was me during this period of my life. I was actively Catholic and couldn't even pretend to take the "Blood of Christ" or even acknowledge it because just the smell of it made me salivate -- I wanted it so badly!

So weird and interesting to see how much I could relate to some of what she went through ... I would love to know how she's doing today. show less

This was a pretty fast-paced read as far as autobiographies go. Once you start reading, it's pretty easy to speed right through to the end. The style and voice are reminiscent of Kendra, and a pretty easy read. Kendra's life was really out of control with all of the acting out and drug use. I couldn't help but feel for her family, who really kept hoping for her to change over and over and over again. Strangely, it does seem that Playboy slowed her down and helped give her a new focus in her show more life.

For me, I think that this book grabbed me because I saw the life of a close friend of mine mirrored in the young Kendra. One of my closest best friends growing up went down very similar paths, choosing to shoplift, drink, and party on a really grand scale. Eventually, we grew apart, especially after she put me in a really awkward position one afternoon when she stole an expensive bottle of perfume at a department store where we were shopping. She ended up getting held by mall security and I had to call for a ride home. Strangely, I don't remember what happened to her in that case, but I do know that we went our separate ways and have not stayed in touch.

Whether it was the direct correlation I could make between the young Kendra in the pages and my own best friend, or the ways that Kendra has identified as helping her change that grabbed me, the book is easy to get sucked into. Despite her wild and crazy background, Kendra feels like a genuine person that is easy to like. It's strange that I felt that way from what little I have read or seen of her! Having said that, with her new loving marriage and young son, you can't help but sincerely hope for her success in the future. Regardless, her life has been one crazy ride, and one that I would honestly never want for myself! show less

This is an engaging, well-rounded, nicely balanced, heart-warming, well-written book. I read it in one day and couldn't put it down once I started. I laughed out loud a couple times, highlighted numerous parts I thought were good insights or funny, and really enjoyed the look into her life from childhood to adulthood to motherhood. I had no idea her childhood was so tumultuous and I think she is such a strong woman for leaving the drugs and turning her life around like she did. Many people show more would not be that strong, and it only led to truly amazing opportunities for her!

I read this book hoping to learn more about Kendra, and I did! Admittedly, she was not my favorite character on the show for a few seasons, although I know this was a result of how she was portrayed. But, it's interesting because I always felt like the fifth season is when Kendra truly seemed to mature and change on GND (in a good way!) and became much more likeable, and it had nothing to do with editing or how she was being presented. Now I know why--the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together as I read, which was really a neat experience.

I disagree with reviewers who state that the book lacks behind-the-scene info on life at the mansion and trips, etc. I thought I would feel the same way when I went into it, but, having finished the book, I strongly feel that more detail on those things would have taken away from the true nature and purpose of this book. This book gives Kendra character and dimension. I think that's exactly what its purpose was and that more detail into mansion life would have cheapened that.

Nice feel-good book that left me feeling very satisfied. show less

I wasn't sure what to expect. I watched the last two season of The Girl Next Door and I have watched Kendra. I started watching it when I got in to the E! Reality Shows. What can I say, I like it and I will admit it!

So I knew she used a Ghost Writer not a big shock and I thought he did a fantastic job. I honestly felt like I was being told about Kendra's life by her. It felt like she was sitting here next to me telling me her life story instead of me reading it in her book! I could relate to show more some areas more with her relationship with her dad and Hank. I have a dad similar to her and I swear I swore the same thing she did. I won't let him come near my son because I don't want him to hurt my son the same way Kendra wants to protect Hank Jr. for the exact same reason. Hank is her rock and my fiance is my rock. So in away I am not surprised I could relate to her. I know there are a lot of others that will relate better to this Girl Next Door with a very scary and dark past. But I have always been the goody goody that she was trying to be.

I really enjoyed when she was describing her mother and her first reaction to the playboy mansion news. Orgy Orgy Orgy. I wasn't sure if I believed those rumors but I can't say I am not exactly shocked either. I personally can't imagine it either even with the details right there. (not a lot of details, very vague but enough) But I also don't really want to picture all those girls and Hef.

I loved reading about her and Hank's relationship. The way she talks about Hank, I think you can tell she really loves him and after her long journey why shouldn't she finally be happy with her fairy tale wedding and hopefully future!



I loved following her story with her and I felt like she didn't leave anything behind but she didn't do it in such a terrible way. I loved watching her grow and could tell her relieving this she seen herself grow just by the way she talks about it. I personally enjoyed this book and could see why some might. But hey I like her show, so why wouldn't I like her book. I also think she did it in a rather classy way than I was expecting.

So if you are a Kendra fan I would recommend it!

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